Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

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Student working with ophthalmic testing equipment

The Oregon Employment Department forecasts that Portland area job openings for ophthalmic medical technicians will grow 20% through 2027.

Why choose Ophthalmic Medical Technology at PCC?

Salary

Our students in the OMT Program who are currently employed report an average starting range of $24 to $26 per hour, which is projected to increase with experience. Experienced technicians may earn as much as $36 per hour. The Oregon Employment Department reports that Portland area average annual salary isĀ $55,499.

Our program prepares you to perform eye procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician. We offer:

  • Study in a cohort of just 24-28 students
  • Twenty-year track record of successful instruction
  • Hands-on experience honing your technical skills in a special lab with ophthalmic equipment
  • Clinical practicums in medical offices at 40+ community partners: hospital-based clinics, large or small private practices, and academic institutions
Accreditation

The Ophthalmic Medical Technology (OMT) program is the only associate’s degree program of its kind on the West Coast at the intermediate training technician level. We are accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA).

Degrees and certificates

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete
Award Length Financial aid eligible Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Ophthalmic Medical Technology2 yearsLimited entry, see how
to get into this program

Locations

What will you learn?

More information

We help you develop skills and knowledge in a wide variety of ophthalmology areas:

  • Optics
  • Ocular pharmacology
  • Ocular anatomy
  • Contact lens fitting
  • Surgical assisting
  • Instrument maintenance and care
  • Refractometry
  • Ocular pathology
  • Eye examination skills

What will you do?

Our program is a proven pathway to local, national, and international opportunities. Approximately 95% of our students find jobs in this field within three months of completing the program.

Graduates may expect to find jobs in group practices, HMOs, private offices, and university clinics. Technicians work approximately 40 hours per week.

Transferring to a four-year institution

If you’re interested in transferring to a four-year institution, visit our transferring page.

Next steps

See how to get into this program.Get started now

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